Flexible Printed Circuit Motor Assembly Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for smaller and lighter disc drives poses a challenge in mounting spindle motors efficiently and cost-effectively due to height constraints, making traditional screw and bracket mounting methods impractical.
Innovation Solution
A motor assembly utilizing a stator assembly with stator teeth and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that supports a stator coil, where the FPC is affixed to the base, allowing for a compact and cost-effective mounting solution by using a flexible printed circuit with conductor traces and staple-shaped conductors to form a stator coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw and bracket mounting methods are used, then the spindle motor can be securely mounted, but the height requirements cannot be met and component alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting bracket function with the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) by integrating the FPCB into the stator assembly structure. The FPCB serves dual purposes: as an electrical connector and as a mounting element that directly attaches to the base, eliminating the need for separate brackets and screws while reducing overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the traditional screw and bracket components from the mounting system. By eliminating these separate fastening elements, the design achieves a more compact structure that meets height requirements while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated FPCB attachment method.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods are used, then the spindle motor can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes costly and time-consuming due to component handling and alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functions into the FPCB-integrated stator assembly, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be handled and aligned during assembly. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly time, and lowers costs associated with complex component handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPCB is pre-integrated with the stator assembly during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit that requires minimal additional work during final assembly. This preliminary integration of mounting and electrical connection functions reduces the complexity and time of the final assembly process.
3Length of stationary object
If the flexible printed circuit is used to mount the stator assembly, then height constraints are satisfied and assembly is simplified, but the mounting structure must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connection, structural support, and mounting attachment. This multi-functionality allows the same component to satisfy height constraints while providing all necessary mounting capabilities, effectively managing design complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a motor assembly method for mounting to a base. The motor assembly includes a stator assembly having a plurality of stator teeth. Each stator tooth is configured to support a stator coil. The motor assembly also includes a flexible printed circuit having top and bottom surfaces and an end portion. The end portion is affixed to the stator assembly at the top surface. The bottom surface is affixed to the base.